FAQs
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment usually means wearing braces to straighten your teeth. Sometimes teeth also need to be removed to create space for the other teeth to move.Orthodontics can:
- improve the way your teeth look
- improve the health of the teeth and gums
- make it easier to eat by helping your teeth fit together correctly.
When should I be seen / assessed?
Most patients start their orthodontic treatment when the majority of their adult teeth have come through at around 10 to 14 years of age, however, your dentist will often refer you earlier than this for particular sorts of problem. For example, teeth which stick out a long way, or which bite the wrong way round may need treatment sooner. You may also see an orthodontist early if there are concerns that your teeth are not growing through correctly, or just if you are worried about your teeth and want to speak to someone early on about what can be done for them.Treatment can also be carried out much later than this and most treatments can be successfully carried out for adults, so don’t worry that you have “missed the boat”. An increasing number of adults of all ages are wearing braces, so you will not be alone.
Will I need teeth out and how is this done?
Sometimes teeth need to be removed (extracted) to make room to move the other teeth, however we only do this if absolutely essential. The teeth most often removed are premolar teeth, which are relatively easy to extract, but if you have other teeth which are less healthy, we will take this into account. You will always be left with enough teeth to function well and we will not leave spaces at the end of treatment.If extractions are needed, this will be carried out either by your own dentist, or by one of our dentists with an interest in oral surgery. Nervous patients can request nitrous oxide sedation. This is “laughing gas”, which makes you feel relaxed and less likely to feel any pain. The tooth to be extracted will be made numb with 2 small injections and only when it is completely numb will the tooth be removed.
Most patients say that having teeth out was not as bad as they expected and probably the most difficult part of the appointment is psyching yourself up to visit the practice!
Is orthodontic treatment successful?
One of the most important factors in the success of orthodontic treatment is the co-operation of the patient. Patients who attend regularly will complete treatment more quickly. Patients who look after their teeth and braces well will have healthy straight teeth at the end of treatment.Perhaps the biggest challenge in orthodontic treatment is keeping the teeth straight in the long term and it is essential to wear retainers as instructed by your orthodontist. Teeth can and do move at any age, so the longer you continue to wear your retainers the better. Certainly, it is essential to continue wearing retainers while you are still growing.
What sort of braces are there?
There are many types of brace;- fixed appliances (often called “train tracks” ) are glued to the teeth
- removable appliances can be taken out for eating or cleaning
- functional appliances are special removable appliances which work by holding your jaw in a new position. These usually fit both the upper and lower jaw
- headgear is a headcap with elasticated straps which attach to a bar which pull the upper back teeth into position; this works in conjunction with other braces.
Are there braces which don’t show so much?
Yes, there are several types of brace which are less noticeable and are available privately. These may be made of ceramics, plastic or other tooth-coloured materials, or may be transparent shields (“Invisalign”), or braces placed on the inside surface of the teeth (lingual appliances).How do I look after my brace?
Fixed appliances:
During the first few days, you may need to place special wax (given at your first appointment) to stop the brace rubbing. Just dry the bit of the brace where you want to place the wax and then squeeze it on. You are also likely to need to take painkillers for the first few days – take whatever you would usually use if you had a headache.You will need to be careful when eating not to damage the brace. The easiest rule to remember is that if you can’t cut it up small, you can’t eat it. Sticky or hard sweets, chewing gum, crusty bread are some examples of foods which can break your braces.
Also, braces can trap food and drink, allowing bacteria in your mouth to create decay. This shows as ugly brown or white scars on your teeth, so you must not eat or drink sweet things between meals. The best drinks are milk, water or unsweetened tea. Fizzy drinks are bad because they are both acidic and sweet. Most fruit juices are acidic and can dissolve your teeth when drunk regularly, so moderation is best. Also many fruit juices are sweet, so are best at mealtimes.
Fluoride helps combat decay and keep teeth healthy and attractive during treatment. You should brush with a fluoride toothpaste and rinse once a day (for most people this is best at night) with a mouthwash containing 0.05% fluoride. To clean your braces (which you should do after every time you eat) use both a normal brush, and an interdental brush, as shown by your orthodontist when your brace is fitted. If you aren’t sure whether you are doing it right, just ask. We have an oral health educator who can help show you in more detail if you are having trouble.
Removable Appliances:
Removable appliances should usually be worn full time, unless told otherwise by your orthodontist, apart from when cleaning or eating. When out of your mouth, keep them in a protective case. To clean (at least 3 times a day), rinse with water and clean with a toothbrush. Sometimes, white deposits or a bad taste can develop and then “Retainer Brite” can be used to clean them. This is available from some chemists and most orthodontic surgeries. When wearing a removable appliance, avoid sweet drinks, as these are more likely to cause tooth decay, due to being held next to the brace.How much will it cost?
Recent NHS changes have included the introduction of a treatment index which determines the severity of a child’s orthodontic problem. If the problems are deemed too mild then free treatment cannot be offered, however orthodontic treatment can be arranged for an independent fee. Adults are accepted privately.How do I get referred?
It is usually best to discuss referral with your dentist first, as they can then give us helpful background information about your dental history and needs, however we do accept self referrals. If you have questions about being referred, our receptionists can help – just give us a call.What will happen when my braces are removed?
Having fixed braces removed is not as bad as many people expect. It takes very little time and involves a special instrument distorting the base of the bracket, so that it pings off and then polishing the glue off. We then take moulds of your teeth to make the retainer you will wear in bed at night to keep your teeth straight.Why do so many people get braces these days?
People’s expectations of how their teeth should look and function increase all the time. Research shows that, like it or not, we are judged by the way we look, and teeth form an important part of first impressions. An attractive smile can make a big contribution to self-confidence and quality of life. As orthodontic technology improves, treatment is able to do more and is easier for the patient. Also with more and more people keeping all their teeth, and not losing many of them during childhood, mouths are becoming more crowded!Will my teeth stay straight?
It is essential to wear retainers as instructed by your orthodontist. Teeth can and do move at any age, so the longer you continue to wear your retainers the better. Certainly, it is essential to continue wearing retainers while you are still growing.What will happen on my first visit?
At your first visit, we will talk about what you, the patient, feel about your teeth and any problems you have. We will then examine the teeth and explain to you our findings and the available options for treatment if appropriate. We have models and computerised demonstrations to help explain things.We may take X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and/or to check if they are all there. We may need to take a further x-ray to assess the relative size and position of your jaws and angulation of your teeth. If you are going ahead with treatment, you may need to have moulds of your teeth taken – this lets us make a model of them to plan your treatment. Finally, we usually take photographs of your teeth at the beginning of treatment for future comparison. We are very aware that patients are often nervous, or may not have had any dental treatment before and take time to explain things carefully.